Brian MacNeice is preparing to complete a very different kind of century at the Home of Cricket as he takes on 100 laps of Lord’s Cricket Ground in a single day to raise funds for Alzheimer’s Society.
The Cricket Ireland Chairman will walk 50 kilometres around the famous London venue, turning one of cricket’s most celebrated landmarks into the setting for a demanding endurance challenge in support of people living with dementia and their families.
Billed as 'A Century at Lord’s – 100 Laps, 50km, 1 Day', the fundraiser on Monday September 28th combines MacNeice’s love of cricket with a cause he is determined to support.
“I’m taking on the challenge of walking 100 laps of Lord’s Cricket Ground – 50km in a single day – to raise funds for Alzheimer’s Society,” he said.
“It won’t be quick, it won’t be elegant, and there may be the occasional stumble, but I’ll be doing it in support of people living with dementia and their families.”
The challenge will certainly test his stamina. Fifty kilometres is comfortably beyond marathon distance, while the repetitive nature of completing 100 circuits will provide a considerable mental challenge as well as a physical one. Yet for MacNeice, the significance of the cause will provide all the motivation he needs to keep putting one foot in front of the other.
Alzheimer’s Society works to support people affected by dementia and their families, while also helping fund research aimed at changing the future for those diagnosed with the condition.
“Every donation helps Alzheimer’s Society provide vital support today and fund the research that could change tomorrow,” said MacNeice. “Please support my challenge. Help me reach my century and make it count.”
The cricketing theme running through the fundraiser is particularly appropriate. Lord’s has witnessed countless famous hundreds throughout its history, but this will be a century measured in laps rather than runs.
The promotional campaign describes the undertaking as 'one very long innings for a cause that means everything', with MacNeice hoping the familiar cricketing milestone will help capture the imagination of supporters. It will also ensure that each circuit of cricket’s most famous ground has served a greater purpose.
MacNeice is asking friends, colleagues, cricket supporters and the wider public to back his effort through his fundraising page, with every contribution going towards Alzheimer’s Society’s work.